gordon west

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Ask SAIL: VHF Portables on Land

VHF PORTABLES ON LANDQ: Our dockmaster tells me that portable marine VHF radios are now permitted for use on land. Does this mean I can use my hand-held on the ski slopes, or talk from the office with boats for weather reports?Don Hull, New York, NYGORDON WEST REPLIESYes, and no. ...read more

Do believe the hype: today’s radars really do require less power to achieve better resolution
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Ask SAIL: Better Radar, Less Power

Q: My new television is ultra-high definition, and I now see at boat shows that marine radars also offer UHD options, with dramatically fewer transmit power outputs. Have you seen this new gear in operation?D. Pritchard, Tampa, FLGORDON WEST REPLIESIndeed, the newer breed of ...read more